Christine Clarridge

Seattle

Seattle reporter @Axios, former @SeattleTimes. Send me your pitches and story ideas pls! Especially the weird and wonderful! [email protected]

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Articles

Washington public lands could be sold under GOP budget plan

5 days ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Wilderness areas near Mount Baker are among the federal public lands that could be up for sale under a GOP proposal. Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty ImagesMore than 5 million acres of Washington wildlands could be among those sold off under a new Republican budget bill, according to a recent watchdog analysis.
Make the most of Seattle's longest day

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Illustration: Maura Losch, Lindsey Bailey/AxiosWhether it's golden rays or drizzle, Seattleites can find a way to soak up the solstice. Why it matters: In Seattle, the sun isn't just weather — it's therapy. What's happening: At 7:42pm Friday, the sun will reach its northernmost point in the sky for the year, marking the official start of astronomical summer. By the numbers: Seattle will log nearly 16 hours of daylight, with sunset at 9:10pm, per Time and Date.
Seattle homes least likely to have a pool

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge |Sami Sparber

Data: Realtor.com; Note: U.S. average is as of April 2025; Chart: Axios VisualsSeattle never bought into the backyard pool craze — and now, that restraint is paying off. Why it matters: Across much of the U.S., homeowners are watching the value of their once-coveted pools evaporate as the real estate market resets, according to Realtor.com.
Who handles Seattle's traffic tickets? Magistrates do

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/AxiosEvery day,Seattle magistrates preside over a parade of parking tickets and traffic infractions, usually defended with a litany of excuses. The job requires legal chops, fairness and a BS detector of the highest order. Why it matters: In Washington's busiest courthouse by case volume, magistrates absorb overflow and act as courtroom guides for people navigating infractions alone.
Seattle's dry spell ends — just in time for the solstice

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/AxiosSeattle's rain is back — and honestly, it's about time. Why it matters: A nearly bone-dry spring and hotter-than-normal June have raised fire danger, drained snowpack and triggered widespread drought. Any rain now is welcome. Driving the news: Rain and showers are expected in the Seattle area Wednesday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Washington ranks 12th in 988 hotline use

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge |Alex Fitzpatrick

Data: JAMA Network Open; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/AxiosWashington ranks 12th in the U.S. for per capita use of the 988 suicide and crisis hotline, a new analysis finds. Why it matters: Nearly three years after launch, the mental health hotline still sees big usage gaps between states, researchers say. By the numbers: The service received 29.4 contacts per 1,000 Washingtonians in 2024, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The national contact rate was 23.7 in 2024.
Sounders stumble in Club World Cup opener

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Seattle Sounders' Pedro De La Vega controls the ball during the team's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group B match at Lumen Field on Sunday Photo: Steph Chambers/FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesThe Seattle Sounders lost 2-1 to Brazil's Botafogo in their Club World Cup opener Sunday at Lumen Field. State of play: The FIFA tournament, featuring elite global clubs, is seen by Seattle FIFA leaders as a test run for next year's World Cup.
Amazon helps workers train for satellite sector jobs

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

Washington resident Dezmond Hernandez prepares satellite hardware for testing in a thermal vacuum chamber, which simulates the extreme conditions of space. Photo: Courtesy of AmazonAerospace jobs are booming in Washington state, and Amazon is helping some frontline employees trade warehouse gigs for the stars.
Fish Tales: Courthouse art worth exploring

1 week ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge

The Seattle Municipal Court building at 600 Fifth Ave. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Seattle ğ Looks like most of you must be pretty law-abiding. We asked last weekif anyone recognized these carved poles, and only a few of you got the answer right. Located on the 11th floor of Seattle Municipal Court, Steve Jensen's carved cedar sculpture "Fish Tales" is part of the city's civic art collection. It was created to honor "the beauty of the sea and the forest," per the city.
Washington state diners tip less, according to Toast

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Christine Clarridge |Alex Fitzpatrick

Data: Toast; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/AxiosWashingtonians ranknear the bottom when it comes to tipping at full-service restaurants, according to new data from restaurant tech firm Toast. Why it matters: Tips remain a critical part of income for many restaurant workers, even in Washington, where employers are required to pay the full minimum wage on top of tips.